The United States Mint (Mint) has announced a collaboration with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products to launch a new series of collectible coins and medals celebrating comic book art as a uniquely American art form. This unprecedented initiative marks the first public-private partnership of its kind for the Mint, emphasizing the cultural significance of DC comic book characters and art.
The Mint has a storied history of producing coins and medals that honor America’s values, icons, and significant moments. This new alliance continues that tradition by recognizing the impact of comic art on American ideals. The series will feature nine iconic superheroes depicted on 24-karat gold coins, .999 fine silver medals, and non-precious metal (clad) medals. The series will debut in the summer of 2025 with the release of Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman, followed by six additional DC characters over the next two years.
Starting July 10 and running through August 11, 2024, the public is invited to vote for the DC superheroes they would like to see included in this series. This public participation ensures that the multi-year series represents the most beloved of DC’s superheroes. Voting can be done at www.usmint.gov/dc.
“This opportunity with DC signals an exciting new era for the Mint as we continue our efforts to engage seasoned collectors while also connecting with younger, more diverse audiences,” said the Honorable Ventris C. Gibson, Director of the Mint. “We are thrilled to highlight the role that comic books have played in upholding American values, and the fact that the American public will be a guiding force in shaping this coin and medal series makes it even more special.”
All obverse (heads side) designs of the coins and medals will be created by United States Mint Chief Engraver Joseph Menna. The reverses (tails side) will be designed by one of the Mint’s Medallic Artists under Menna’s direction. Menna, a highly accomplished sculptor and artist, joined the Mint in 2005. His career has been marked by significant achievements in the design and sculpture of circulating coinage, commemorative coins, and Congressional medals. Menna’s extensive private portfolio includes work for high-profile companies, including DC Collectibles, where he has worked on action figures and high-end collectible statues.
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“For me, the real gift of creating coins and comic book collectibles is how happy they make people. With that incredible honor comes great responsibility. Nothing beats bringing joy to people’s lives,” said Menna. “Comic books are my greatest inspiration. They taught me how to draw, to dream, and helped me through challenging times. I am really looking forward to celebrating the impact of comic art through coins and medals. I see this as an opportunity to combine all the worlds I love, bringing to the American people what I hope will be the greatest collectibles of all time.”
Founded in 1934 as National Allied Publications, DC is one of the oldest comic book publishers in the world. The Mint is launching this new product line with DC due to its pioneering role in the comic art industry and the natural alignment of its primary characters with American values. This historic arrangement with the Mint promises more exciting collaborations in the future.
“It is an honor to collaborate with the Mint and immortalize DC’s iconic place in American pop culture with this incredible set of collectible coins featuring the DC ‘Trinity’: Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman,” said Preston Kevin Lewis, Head of Consumer Products & Retail Strategy, The Americas for Warner Bros. Discovery. “While the first set of coins releases in time for DC’s 90th anniversary in 2025, we’re eager to see how fans vote this summer when they select the next DC characters joining this engaging collaboration with the Mint.”
This collaboration marks a significant moment in the recognition of comic book art as an essential part of American cultural heritage, and it invites fans to participate in creating a lasting tribute to their favorite superheroes.